Hair Loss Remedies

[Carolyn Marie]

The article in the May 2010 edition of Consumer Reports Magazine highlights several hair loss remedies, from the chemical (finesteride) to surgery.

This might help you make up your mind on what to do.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazin...dings/index.htm

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Donna Jean]

The article in the May 2010 edition of Consumer Reports Magazine highlights several hair loss remedies, from the chemical (finesteride) to surgery.

This might help you make up your mind on what to do.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/magazin...dings/index.htm

Carolyn Marie

Carolyn.....

I wanted to read the article, but, you have to join to get to it, apparently.....

Dang!

HUGGS!

Donna Jean

[Sally]

Are you trying to say something about my hair?

I couldn't read the link either because I do not subscribe.

but for those who do - consumer reports is usually a decent guide but sometimes they factor cost much higher into the equation than I would.

Love ya,

Sally

[Carolyn Marie]

Sorry about that. I've copied and printed a summary of the findings below. Again, to provide proper credit, this is from the May

2010 CR magazine. It reported that a survey of members showed that Finesteride was found to be somewhat or very effective in 68% of respondents, while Minoxidil (Rogaine) over the counter was 24% somewhat to very effective. Prescription Minoxidil was found to be only 18% effective (which seems counterintuitive, but that's the results).

I've redacted the dosage info on Finesteride and Minoxidil in accordance with LP policies.

Carolyn

average scalp contains 100,000 hairs. Most people lose about 50 to 100 per day, and those usually regrow. If your hair loss is sudden and severe, occurs when there's no family history, begins after you take a medication, or is accompanied by itching or burning of the scalp, see a dermatologist. The doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical exam, and if necessary, order blood tests and a biopsy.

Androgenetic alopecia, or pattern baldness, is the most common form of hair loss. It's inherited from one or both parents and caused by male hormone dihydrotestosterone, which shuts down hair follicles. Men with pattern baldness tend to have the classic horseshoe of hair ringing the scalp; women usually have thinning hair all over their scalp.

Other causes of hair loss include illness, such as diabetes, lupus, hyperthyroidism, and hypothyroidism; medications, including antidepressants, beta blockers, and cholesterol reducers; emotional distress; chemical dyes; and even tight braids and overstyling of the hair.

Here are pros and cons of common ways to slow, reverse, or mask hair loss:

Finasteride

This pill, available as Propecia and in generic versions, was most successful with respondents. It's prescribed for men only because it can cause serious birth defects. Cost is $16 to $84 per month.

Pros: In clinical trials in which men with pattern baldness took ******** for two years, new hair grew in 66 percent of patients. In 83 percent, hair loss was halted.

Cons: Side effects are infrequent but might include impotence and depression, which should disappear if the medicine is stopped. Patients should commit to it for at least three months, and they eventually lose any gains when they stop taking it.

Minoxidil

This topical product is sold in strengths of ****** (the only version approved for women) and ******, which also comes in a foam. Sold under the brand name Rogaine or generically, versions sell for as little as $10 per month. Minoxidil works best on patients whose hair loss is recent.

Pros: In a study cited in the journal ACP Medicine, even the ****** solution was shown to produce visible hair growth in about one-third of patients and fine-hair growth in another third.

Cons: In the same study, minoxidil was ineffective in one-third of patients. Our survey respondents reported that it was largely ineffective. Results might not be visible for four to 12 months, and any benefits are lost when you stop applying the product. Side effects include dry, itchy, or irritated scalp and increased facial hair.

Surgery

Most people opt for a basic hair transplant, in which hair grafts are moved from the back of the head to the top or front. The average cost per graft is $5, and the average hair transplant can take 2,000 grafts. In many cases, the procedure must be repeated, doubling the price.

Pros: If you find a skilled surgeon and the transplants take, you can end up with a good head of hair. Contact the AHLA (www.americanhairloss.org) or IAHRS (www.iahrs.org) to find doctors who have undergone extensive training.

Cons: Not everyone is a successful candidate for surgery. There's the possibility of infection, a long recovery period, scarring, or patchy hair growth.

If all else fails, consider wearing a wig. They range in price from about $150 to $7,000, and 65 percent of those who tried one said it effectively masked hair loss.

[Guest Elizabeth K]

CAUTION!!!

I read the literature on Finesteride, as I have been on it for 16 months.

BE CAREFUL! It can feminize you! I mean, it will halt the baldness maybe - BUT

IT MIGHT TURN YOU INTO A WOMAN!

Be carefu....

WAIT!

What's wrong with that????

Lizzy

[Guest Donna Jean]

Carolyn......

Thanks, Babe!

I wanted to read it, but, I really didn't wnat to sign up for the thing.....

Huggs

Donna Jean

[Guest Astro_Liz]

Hmmm... I'm surprised they didn't talk about dutasteride as an alternative to finasteride. Something worth asking your doctor about anyway since dutasteride is generally covered by insurance. Before my hair transplant surgery, they have me on a regime of dutasteride and OTC minixidil, which really shows you that preventing hair loss is a multifront battle and no one product can really stop it alone.

So where is that "all the above" study?